Engaging Youth to Create Positive Change
This session will explore the SPF and how to engage young people in every step of the process. Networking activities will provide opportunities to learn and share creative and innovative ways to build relationships for positive change.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will have a basic level comprehension of the SPF and its value.
- Participants will identify the key sections of the SPF and how to engage young people in the SPF process.
- Participants will be able to apply the activities presented to more effectively engage with their local coalition/YLP.
Facilitators:
Beth Thomas, MSW/LSW, OCPC
Beth loves the energy of working with people to positively impact their communities. She has the pleasure of serving HC3 as the Program Director while working with Fulton County communities to reduce underage substance use. She earned her master’s degree in social work from The Ohio State University and her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Bowling Green State University.
She serves as the SPCA Chair and as the Co-Coordinator for the Northwest Ohio Network for Adult Allies who are working in the field of youth led programming.
Beth and husband Kevin are the parents of 3 “grown and flown” young adults and Beth is thrilled to have added Nana life to her resume this year.
Robin Willson
Robin Willson is the Project Coordinator for Healthy Choices Caring Communities (HC3). Robin has a bachelor’s in business administration with a Concentration in Marketing from the University of Northwestern Ohio. She has worked with HC3 for over five years actively participating in both the adult coalition and serving as an adult advisor for the Youth Advisory Council (YAC).
Shawn Jeffers
Co-Founder and Director of Leadership Development for Youth At The Center in Cincinnati. Youth At The Center advances opportunities for children, youth and young adults to be seen, heard and valued as the next generation of leaders in our community. He has over 15 years of experience in youth leadership development and facilitating diversity, equity, and inclusion programming through his professional roles with Public Allies Cincinnati, BRIDGES for a Just Community and The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education.
As a volunteer, Shawn serves as Lead Trainer for GLSEN Greater Cincinnati where he partners with schools and community organizations to create safe places for all youth. He is a 2003 graduate of Miami University. In his spare time, Shawn shares his adventures of exploring Cincinnati with his dog, Mobley – you can follow along at Mobley Waggers on Facebook.